Pietersen has certainly divided opinion during his turbulent international career which included four Ashes-series wins, as well as numerous confrontations with team-mates, coaches and the ECB itself.

Below we gauge the Twitter reaction to the ECB's decision. Have your say on Pietersen's career on the form below...

Piers Morgan - @piersmorgan

"Our best Test player, best 1-day player, best T20 player.....SACKED. What a pathetic shambles. SHAME ON YOU @ECB_cricket #KPSacked...

"As for you Alastair Cook - what a repulsive little weasel you've turned out to be. Aside from worst ever Ashes tour captain."

Shane Warne - @Warne888

"I also just heard the sad news re KP that he has played his last game for England, to me it's a disgrace & a joke ! The ECB is in a shambles"

Michael Vaughan - @MichaelVaughan

"I would have thought a new coach/director would want a full set of players to decide from himself..!!? IMO that would have included @KP24...

"I think the @ECB_cricket have to explain to everyone exactly what @KP24 has done so we can all have clarity and reasoning...

"Sad way to end a mavericks England Career .@KP24 will be missed...Would love to know what he does that is unmanageable !!??"

Mark Boucher - @Markb46

"@KP24 left out? Wow! Times must be good to leave ur best player out! Sad day for the game!"

Michael Owen ‏- @themichaelowen

"Looks like Kevin Pietersen has played his last game for England. Can only assume he is unmanageable otherwise he'd be England's 1st pick."

Mike Selvey - @selvecricket

"Amazing how those not remotely connected to the Eng team appear to know more than those intimately involved."

Dean Wilson - @CricketMirror

"The real shame of it is no one ever paid their money for a ticket to go and watch a coach give throwdowns. They all hope to see KP bat."

Chris Gayle - @henrygayle

"No @KP24 for the Caribbean tour later this month against W.I?That's really sad for English/International cricket!Don't let the fans suffer. Was really looking for the hype of having @KP24 in the caribbean, would be big tickets sales for us. #Sad - Learn to MANAGE Big Names!!"

Stephen Harmison - @Harmy611

"Can't believe what I'm hearing & reading tonight!! Sad day for English cricket fans, Love or hate him, Kp still the best player we've got!!"

Gary Lineker ‏- @GaryLineker

"Hard to understand the @KP24 situation. Huge talent, poorly managed. Good leaders deal with mavericks. Bring out the best in them."

Scyld Berry - @scyldberry

"Love or loathe KP, England have not performed as a team since the Oval Test of 2012 and Textgate. The Test wins have been due to individuals"

Will Greenwood - @WillGreenwood

"huge decision re @KP24 - @IamAustinHealey probably the closest we had. more talent than any of us - @CliveWoodward left him at home #2003"

You can watch a Sky Sports cricket special 'KP - The Great Innings' - on Thursday night at 8.30pm and also a 30 minute live show at noon on Sunday: 'KP - The Verdict' - both on Sky Sports 2HD. The shows will also be available via On Demand.